How to Make a Cobbler's Apron

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Things You'll Need

  • 1 1/4 yards of twill or sailcloth material

  • Tape measure

  • Dressmaker’s chalk

  • Pins

  • Seam binding

  • Sewing machine

  • Thread

  • Scissors

  • Grosgrain ribbon

Cobbler's aprons are the perfect cover-up for children because they cover both front and back. They were standard kitchen wear in the 1950s but fell out of fashion when they were replaced with cocktail aprons a decade later. Today, they make sense once again because they keep cooks well covered in the kitchen. They are easy to make without a pattern and are versatile enough for use in the kitchen, garden or workshop.

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How to Make a Cobbler's Apron

Step 1

Lay out the yardage. Use the tape to measure 2 rectangles, side-by-side and selvage-to-selvage, that are 22-by-36 inches.

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Step 2

Cut out the 2 rectangles and lay them on top of each other. Secure with pins. Use the dressmaker's chalk to mark a rounded neckline. Be sure the opening is at least 2 inches larger than your head measurement. Cut out the neck opening.

Step 3

Measure from shoulder to waist and mark on both sides and both pieces of fabric. This is where you will place side ties.

Step 4

Place the rectangles' right sides together. Sew 1 shoulder seam. Stitch seam binding around the open neck line. Leave the last inch unstitched with a ½-inch extra seam binding for finishing.

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Step 5

Sew the other shoulder seam and finish the neckline by turning under the raw edge of the seam binding and hand stitching it neatly shut. Begin at the shoulder seam and stitch the seam binding all the way down the raw edge of the apron both front and back, ending up at the beginning. Turn the raw edge under and sew the seam binding shut.

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Step 6

Cut 4 ties from the grosgrain ribbon and stitch them on either side of the waist on both sides of the apron. From the leftover fabric, cut a 10-by-18 inch piece of fabric for a front patch pocket. Turn under all the raw edges and stitch a small hem. Pin the pocket to the center front of the apron with the open edge even with the waist ties. Stitch around the sides and bottom edges. Run a single seam up the middle to turn it into 2 patch pockets.

Tip

Cut the apron down to child size by measuring the width and length of your child. Fit isn't important because it is tied shut and will grow with her.

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